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Johnson has Tahs job, if he wants
Wayne Smith and Bret Harris | April 29, 2008 Johnson has Tahs job, if he wants | The Australian
SCOTT JOHNSON will be on the training field in San Diego next Tuesday, sizing up what he has taken on as the new coach of the United States even though the NSWRU still hopes he will take on the Waratahs instead.
The former Wallabies attack coach and successful Eastwood coach Chris Hickey are the only remaining candidates on the Waratahs' short-list.
But informed sources told The Australian yesterday that the Waratahs job was Johnson's if he wanted it.
Johnson admitted yesterday NSW had asked him to reconsider his decision to coach the Eagles.
The irony is that had NSW made a similar approach to him back in February when he was told his services were no longer needed with the Wallabies, he would have jumped at it.
But having given his word to the US Rugby Union, he intends honouring it.
"I'm honour-bound and I've told them (the NSWRU) that," Johnson said yesterday. "If you want to find me next week, come looking in San Diego."
The situation remains fluid to a degree because of complicating factors Johnson would not expand on. He hasn't yet signed a contract with the Americans - nothing unusual there because he traditionally operates on a handshake alone - although for once he might be required to enter into a written agreement in order to comply with US visa regulations. But whatever the complications are, he is keeping US Rugby fully appraised of them.
"It would have been nice if there was a coaching job going in Australia back in February, but there wasn't and you make your decisions accordingly," Johnson said.
"I don't regret things in my life. Things happen for a reason. And who's to say this job (with the US team) isn't going to be special. The United States is the place that you'd think the world of rugby should get right because of the enormous possibilities that would open up for the game. To be part of that will be very exciting."
Johnson, who was the Wallabies attack coach at the World Cup in France last year, did not apply for the Waratahs job, but he was asked to consider the job by the NSWRU.
Hickey, who has also coached the Australian under-21s, appeared to be the favourite for the Waratahs when Johnson and London Irish coach Brian Smith stated publicly they were not candidates.
While Johnson said he had not applied, he did not say he would turn the job down if it were offered to him.
It is understood the NSWRU was impressed by Johnson's international resume, which includes being part of the coaching staff of the Welsh team that won the Six Nations in 2005.
Johnson was also a caretaker head coach of Wales, albeit briefly, before returning to Australia to join John Connolly's Wallabies staff in 2006.
Johnson is also believed to have the support of Waratahs captain Phil Waugh, who is playing a key role in the selection process. Ironically, Hickey was keen to have Johnson as his attack coach if he secured the head coaching role.
There has been speculation the Waratahs might opt for a Johnson/Hickey team as co-coaches, but this has been dismissed.
"I don't think so ... I mean a few weeks ago ... I think you need a head coach," NSWRU CEO Jim L'Estrange said.
"It's the team of coaches that makes the difference. We have specialist coaches and it's how they leverage each other and work together as a team and complement each other, both in character and skill base."
Johnson admitted that while he had watched the US team in action during the World Cup, taking careful note of how close it came to toppling England in the pool round, he had not seriously studied what rugby talent would be at his disposal.
"A few of their World Cup squad have retired and I have no idea at all about how strong they are. At some stage in the future, US rugby will be pretty good but I'm just going over there with eyes wide open."
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Was the wait worth it - Ya betta baby 
Originally Posted by Thequeerone
